The weather continues to be lousy and I suspect Peter doesn't mind that much as it makes it totally excusable to spend the best part of the day and evening glued to the telly.Football, or soccer, whatever, seems the whole world is in the grip of the World Cup games in South Africa.

I half-heartedly pick up a book, peck at the computer, the commotion of the games disturbing my thoughts, looking up every now and then when obviously something has gone down.My curiosity gets the better of me, and I want to know: what? Each and every time I wish I hadn't asked because what follows is an extensive explanation of some complicated football rule, facts and scores beyond my grasp. And then the shaking of the head, the sighing, the how-many-times-have-I-got-to-explain groaning.But, and this is the first time I have admitted this, I am actually beginning to get drawn in. Wanting certain teams to win, for the wrong reasons, I am sure, but still.Maybe it's like the Eurovision Song Festival; you think the contestants laughable but if you watch anyway, you can't help hoping some country or other will win.Not that these sportsmen are laughable. I find the players surprisingly interesting. For one thing, more than a few are really good-looking, like models and film stars - apparently some even are, on the side. They are often very expressive, theatrical and entertaining. Reminding me of show wrestling; falling about, tripping each other up, somersaults on the grass, agony-drawn faces - hoping the referee will buy it.All in the game, I am told, though it makes them look like little boys sometimes.I suppose you can say I am impartial. Though I am English, I live in Holland, and in France, and feel a connection with South Africa, I kind of like the Koreans and New Zealanders, I am trying to think why as I type it; are they by any chance the under-dogs?It seems the winning and losing has been quite unpredictable so far, I suppose that is good, not much fun if it all goes according to expectation.Like now, Servia beats Germany, wow, who would have put their money on that?

Well, as you can see, rainy days in France are not a complete loss.I am becoming quite an expert on the soccer-thing, and am actually looking forward to watching the matches in the Geordie pubs soon.I guess it would be rather nice if England was still in the game.I'm just going to check, haven't a clue.

Oh, to-night they will play against Algeria, fingers crossed they will win.Hmm, so, ok, I am not totally impartial after all.But I'll be fetching Mieke from the Bergerac airport this evening, 3 hour drive so I'll miss the game, damn.......

What? If anyone had told me a week ago I would say that, I would have said they were stark raving mad.Life is unpredictable, but hey, that's what makes it fun.